DOJ: Clovis schools online meeting policy violates 'spirit of the law'

New Mexico’s Department of Justice issued an opinion Thursday that Clovis schools are violating the “spirit of the law” with their online meetings policy.

Schools Superintendent Renee Russ said Friday the board will change its policy at its next meeting to "align with the guidance" from DOJ.

The policy requires those watching school board meetings online keep their cameras on with their face visible to board members throughout the meeting.

A letter to school board members from Assistant Attorney General Stephanie Padilla reads in part:

“Requiring attendees to have their cameras on violates the spirit of the law as this requirement limits accessibility to those wishing to attend and listen virtually.”

Access should be provided “without limitation by the public body just as in-person attendance must be allowed without limitation,” Padilla wrote.

Superintendent Russ wrote in an email to The News on Friday morning that the board “will make adjustments at the next board meeting to align with the guidance provided by the Department of Justice, while continuing to consult with legal counsel.”

Russ also wrote: “We encourage lawmakers to clarify the law further, so school boards across the state can implement processes that meet the intended requirements.”

She said the board adopted its initial policy in effort to comply with the law “despite the law’s ambiguity and lack of specific guidelines.”

We’ll have more information in Sunday's newspaper.